Onion 'Reg O'Connor' Cipollini

Allium cepa

• Sweet, mild flavour with exceptional caramelisation
• Improved white cipollini selected for tighter rings and longer storage
• Excellent for bunching, fresh market, or curing in braids
• Early and reliable production in cool temperate climates

A farmer-improved white cipollini onion originally sold as ‘Early Melbourne White’ through the Melbourne markets, 'Reg O’Connor' produces flattened white bulbs with a remarkably sweet, mild flavour and outstanding kitchen versatility.

The bulbs caramelise beautifully with cooking, developing a rich sweetness that makes them exceptional for roasting, grilling, slow cooking, and fresh use alike. Suitable for both fresh bunching and mature storage harvests, this variety bridges the gap between fresh-market quality and dependable keeping ability.

This seed came to us through the collection of Melbourne market grower Reg O’Connor. When trialled against numerous other white cipollini onions, it consistently stood out for its fuller bulb shape, tighter internal rings, improved bulb density, and noticeably longer storage life.

Since then, we have continued careful selection work focused on reducing double centres and improving winter keeping quality by saving seed only from the longest-storing bulbs.

In our climate at 37° latitude, spring sowings reliably produced early bulbs, while February–April sowings were also successful in regions with moderate winters.

"Quality seed is one of the cornerstones of successful market gardens. Over the years, we’ve grown many Cipollini-type onions, and Reg O’Connor stands out as one of the finest for our climate and growing cycle.  It’s a precocious producer of generously sized, mild, and delicious bulbs and the first to market in our zone. Truly superb!  We’re grateful to Robin and Peter for their exceptional commitment to astute varietal selection and production of high-quality seeds." Olivier & Falani Sofo Living Earth Farm.

Certified Demeter Biodynamic and Certified Organic

SEED COUNT: 200, 1000, 5000 approx.
Germination: Lot#14388 94% May 2026

PLEASE NOTE: We do not authorise the repackaging of our seed without written permission

Seed Raising, Growing and Harvest Information

DIRECT SOW - Plant seed 6-10mm deep, 3-5 seeds every 10cm in rows 40cm apart during July, August or early September in prepared, well-draining soil. Thin to 5 or 6cm apart using the thinning’s as scallions.

TRANSPLANT - Days to maturity are from direct seeding, subtract 1-2 weeks if transplanting. Start transplants 10-12 weeks before planting date. Sow thickly in flats or 1” cells, in singles, doubles or triples. We have had good results planting multi cells spaced wider in the field.

NOTES - Onions compete poorly with weeds. Cultivate regularly to control weed pressure.

HARVEST - For fresh eating, onions can be harvested whenever they reach desired size. Storage onions can be harvested when 80% of the tops dry up and flop over. Pull bulbs from ground and cure in an airy, shaded place for two weeks at 22-25°F and 80% relative humidity.

STORAGE - Cool slowly, and store at steady temperatures. Rapid cooling followed by a sudden warm period might break dormancy and cause onions to sprout. Optimal storage is at near freezing temperatures at 65-70% relative humidity.